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JKS Talent Network - Expect More Than a RecruiterTue, 26 Sep 2017 19:49:11 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.263600867Happy 150th Birthday Canada!https://jkstalent.com/happy-150-birthday-canada/
https://jkstalent.com/happy-150-birthday-canada/#respondFri, 30 Jun 2017 16:40:15 +0000https://jkstalent.com/?p=3832Canada Day, Saturday, July 1st, 2017, marks a significant moment in the History of Canada. Call it Canada 150 or simply 2017. It is our 150th birthday!! The major themes for this year’s day of Confederation are diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment and youth. (Canada is actually a federation, but the term […]

Canada Day, Saturday, July 1st, 2017, marks a significant moment in the History of Canada. Call it Canada 150 or simply 2017. It is our 150th birthday!!

The major themes for this year’s day of Confederation are diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment and youth. (Canada is actually a federation, but the term Confederation caught on in the in the 19th century and it stuck.)

Canada Day has been called various names over the years. It used to be known as Dominion Day, the First of July, Confederation Day, and July the First. On July 1, 1867, the British North America Act created the Canadian federal government. This act stated that Canada would become an “independent dominion” (territory) of England, which is why Canada Day was originally called Dominion Day.

Did you know? The world’s only flying saucer launching pad is in St. Paul, Alberta. It was built in 1967 for the country’s 100th anniversary.

Canada – who are we in 2017?

For the second year in a row, the Great White North was ranked second in the annual “Best Countries”. Although Switzerland edged out Canada for the number one ranking, we still scored 9.7 overall thanks to our #1 place standing for Quality of Life. That score was based on a variety of sub-factors, including politics, economy and health care.

Did you know? More than half of people around the world say they would abandon their homeland and move to Canada if they could.

Canada is big and beautiful!

We are the second largest country in the world. We have endless lakes and rivers as well as access to three oceans. We have four, yes four, real seasons and several world-renown Ski Resorts. In fact, it is in Canada that you can ski and surf on the same day while breathing fresh air under a vast sky.

Canada takes up about two-fifths of the North American continent. We are big – ten provinces and three territories that extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean. Our land mass is approximately 9.98 million square kilometres (3.85 million square miles). The only country larger than Canada is Russia and they are almost twice our size!

Canada is rich in many natural resources with more lakes than any other country in the world — about 3 million. The province of Ontario alone contains about a third of the world’s fresh water. In a recent national air quality study by the World Health Organization, Canada placed third for the cleanest air on the planet. Europeans have said that they see Canada as the way it wishes it had stayed: full of natural beauty.”

Canada’s border with the United States is the world’s longest binational land border. We are a sparsely populated country (Just over 35 million people) concentrated in major urban areas. One third of our population lives in one of three large metropolitan areas (Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver) and an estimated 75% of Canadians living within 161 kilometers (100 miles) of the U.S. border.

What makes Canada so great?

Ask any Canadian and they will give you an endless list. Although we are a people who are humble in our love of the land, we are nonetheless very proud of our country. Canadians may display a quiet custom of patriotism, so sometimes we need to make more of an effort to be more vocal on our country’s birthday.

Just a few of the many things for which Canadians are thankful include:

Canadian students rank higher than American students in Math, Science, English and Reading as well above the performance of students in 65 other countries.

Students in Canadian schools performed better than students from any other English speaking country.

1/3 of Microsoft programmers come from the University of Waterloo in Canada.

Canada is a high-tech industrial society with a high standard of living.

Canada is the US’s single largest trading partner thanks to trade agreements made in the 1980s and 1990s.

Canada has the second oldest federal democracy worldwide and is an important member of the G7 and G20 group.

Canada’s health care is public (taxpayer) funded: payment is generally not required for medical treatment.

In 1971 Canadians adopted a national policy of multiculturalism that celebrates our country’s diversity and encourages all citizens to honor their own cultures.

We have passed a right to die legislation, which means that anyone who has a terminal illness can ask a physician to assist them with suicide.

Canadian contributions to the world

We own more than 2 million Canadian patents with several inventions that have contributed to progress around the world such as the telephone, cable television, am radio, 56K modem, MAX screens, walkie talkies, prosthetic hand, snowblower, fog horn, sonar, insulin, plexiglass, , etc.

Canada introduced five sports that are now played in many countries of the world – ice hockey, lacrosse, 5-pin bowling , basketball and ultimate frisbee

Canadian sports hall of famers and legends too numerous to list could go on forever and ever…….. Don’t forget that Canadians Hockey Players are some of the best in the world and play on almost every American team! (Canadian female hockey players happen to also be #1 In the world!)

What is said about Canada by those in other countries?

Canada has a great, world-wide reputation with other countries. Our inter-ethnic relations in Canada are relaxed and tolerant, allowing ethnic or linguistic particularism to exist without question. Canada proudly considers itself to be a mosaic of multi-culturalism.

Canada’s reputation in some areas is even stronger than our Canadian vanity. Citizens of five countries, (South Africa, Australia, France, Indonesia and South Korea) are all more likely than Canadians to describe Canada as a country where rights and freedoms are respected.

Canada is instantly recognized around the world by a red maple leaf. There is no national symbol as ubiquitous as ours. Generations of flag-bearing Canadian backpackers are famous for sewing maple leaf patches onto their bags just to make sure everyone’s clear at a glance who we are.

Canada has developed our own identity in the academic world. Hundreds of international scholars and thousands of students study and research in our universities.

Did you know that many German universities use Canada as a model for a multi-faceted immigrant society with many different voices and multiple forms of cultural expression — including that of First Nations?

It has been said that Canada, as an immigration nation, “can make almost anyone feel welcome and also without making anyone feel like a complete outsider.” Many non-Canadians refer to Canada as “the European version of America.”

PROUDLY CANADIAN!

]]>https://jkstalent.com/happy-150-birthday-canada/feed/03832Administrative Professionals Make Offices Work https://jkstalent.com/administrative-professionals-make-offices-work/
https://jkstalent.com/administrative-professionals-make-offices-work/#respondSat, 22 Apr 2017 01:00:15 +0000http://jkstalent.com/?p=3804April 23rd to 29th is Administrative Professionals Week and their special day of celebration is Wednesday, April 26th. Better book your lunch reservation now. Administrative professionals are those individuals who are responsible for administrative tasks and coordination of information in support of an office-related environment. Being an Administrative Professional is not an easy job. The […]

April 23rd to 29th is Administrative Professionals Week and their special day of celebration is Wednesday, April 26th. Better book your lunch reservation now.

Administrative professionals are those individuals who are responsible for administrative tasks and coordination of information in support of an office-related environment.

Being an Administrative Professional is not an easy job. The best add tremendous value to the business and are extremely impressive in the role. It takes a certain personality, training, experience and set of skills to be outstanding in the position. Some may say the best are – Control Freaks, Perfectionists, Sargeant Majors, Quiet Leaders, FBI Agents, Co-Overseers, etc, etc. BUT I’d counter with Life Saver, Career Builder, etc.

Administrative Professionals keep the engines running everywhere — from small business offices to the upper reaches of multinational corporations.

Who are these Professionals?

There are many different flavors of Admin Professionals for each sector of the modern economy, locally and globally. Today, the title is changing and evolving and the position is now gender neutral. Whether one is referred to as an Administrative Professional, Executive Administrator, Administrative Assistant, Office Manager, Administrative Specialist, etc. there are several core skills that are transferable.

Administrative Professionals are often far more competent with two of the same skills required by everyone from the C-Suite to the front line. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. Where top Professionals tend to excel is in their ability to navigate politics and anticipate what comes next. It is not uncommon for Administrative Professionals to own responsibility for organizing, coordinating and assigning the schedules of several executives, their teams and company customers.

Executives, Managers and almost everyone else in the business do not always recognize that they would be unable to perform at a high functioning level without Administrative Professionals. This week is an opportunity to “wake up and smell the coffee”.

Did you know there are more than 4.1 million Administrative Professionals in the US and 475,000 Canada?

How does one properly honor an Administrative Professional?

It can be tricky. What is an appropriate acknowledgment? How does one avoid being either sexist or condescending?

Surveys have shown that Administrative support personnel greatly appreciate being given opportunities for learning and growth in addition to being offered memberships for participation in professional organizations. Employers always benefit from providing tuition reimbursement for professional development. This may be approving registration for appropriate conferences, seminars, one-off upgrading classes, continuing education workshops or the support to attend college classes that may contribute toward a degree.

Obviously, it is easier when bosses/managers have a close professional relationship with their admins or a long term partnership. In larger organizations, all of the administrative staff might go out to lunch together. In a smaller companies lunch might be brought in and a toast given to the well-recognized people who hold the business together.

Other acceptable options may include flowers, chocolates and gift cards for personal use (Spa, restaurant, retail store, etc.) If budget is an issue, make sure that a “thank you”/acknowledgment card, email, Starbucks card and a few kind words are on the agenda.

What if you do not have an Administrative Professional in your midst?

If you are an entrepreneur or a solopreneur without an assistant, don’t let this day go by without patting yourself on the back. Who do you think has been handling all of the administrative tasks in your business? Is this the week for you to consider the possibility of outsourcing some of your work to a Virtual Assistant? Have you considered giving yourself back some personal or revenue generating time?

Administrative responsibilities are definitely a very demanding full-time occupation.

Appreciation – Make it a Habit

]]>https://jkstalent.com/administrative-professionals-make-offices-work/feed/03804World Health Day and Depressionhttps://jkstalent.com/health-day-depression/
https://jkstalent.com/health-day-depression/#respondFri, 07 Apr 2017 15:25:24 +0000http://jkstalent.com/?p=3787April 7th is World Health Day and marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization. World Health Day isn’t all about hand-washing and healthy eating. This year it is about addressing a silent killer that is often never spoken about. Depression. World Health Day Annual Themes Each year an annual theme is chosen […]

April 7th is World Health Day and marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization. World Health Day isn’t all about hand-washing and healthy eating. This year it is about addressing a silent killer that is often never spoken about. Depression.

World Health Day Annual Themes

Each year an annual theme is chosen to highlight and prioritize a particular issue. In 1995 the theme was Global Polio Eradication. Thanks to that year’s effort, polio awareness rose significantly. Today in many parts of the world, people are freed from this dreaded disease.

The theme of the World Health Day 2017 is Depression. This is a disease that can be both prevented and treated. The first step is to reduce the stigma associated with the condition and lead to more people seeking help. That is something that World Health Day can be extremely effective at accomplishing.

It is no surprise that depression can strike people of all ages. All levels of income and education. Working persons and the unemployed. Physically healthy individuals and those dealing with chronic illness. The fact is that depression has no personal bias. It welcomes all individuals regardless of status, country, sexual orientation or race.

Depression causes terrible mental anguish and can deeply affect how someone performs even the simplest of everyday tasks. Depression can have devastating consequences with relationships both at work and at home. It can impact one’s ability to earn a living and make one question the value of their existence.

Just because you think you are worthless doesn’t make it true.

The Workplace and Depression

North Americans are known for placing a great deal of emphasis on their work and their career. Depression can often set in when one feels insecure about their job, income, conflicts in the workplace, bullying, abusive supervision, and the never-ending challenge of balancing work and family life.

In studies conducted in the last few years, scientists discovered that psychological demands of work or because of work have become key factors producing mental health problems such as psychological distress, depression and burnout.

Unfortunately, 38% of employees polled said they wouldn’t tell their managers about a mental health issue. More than half of the time, it’s because they were afraid it would affect their careers. So if mental health continues to fly under the radar, how concerned are you about reliability and safety?

No workplace is immune from mental health risks.

Willingness to Discuss Depression

The Mental Health Commission of Canada stated that adults in their early and prime working years are among the hardest hit by mental health problems and illnesses. Why would that be the case when the workplace has the ability to play an essential part in maintaining positive mental health?

With most adults spending most of their waking hours working, it is vitally important that mental health issues be recognized and addressed. Upwards of 70% of Canadians are concerned about the psychological health and safety of their workplace. It was noted that when the subject of mental health is not addressed in the workplace, approximately 14% of employees don’t believe they are either healthy or safe.

Employees who said they would be willing to come forward and speak about their depression tended to have a good relationship with their managers. When a culture is ‘healthy’ with supportive policies, employees feel encouraged to come forward for help.

World Health Day 2017 can help us correct our definition of occupational health and safety because it is not limited to the physical any longer.

Sometimes, bad days are there to remind you that you have good ones to look forward to.

Reducing the Stigma of Depression

How open are Canadians about discussing mental health in the workplace? Hopefully, World Health Day 2017 will create an environment where people are willing to open up more about the existence of a very common disease.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health conducted a poll that showed 4 out of 10 Canadians wouldn’t tell their boss if they had a mental health problem. The upside is that it also indicated that if they knew about a colleague’s mental distress, he or she would make some effort to help.

Another recent study presented some progressive findings. Those individuals who fell into a high-risk category for depression were seeking help of some kind.

31% were open talking about mental health issues

24% admit to talking with their family and friends

16% spoke with their doctor

11% approached a counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist

As you see, there is still quite a way to go in helping bring depression out of the closet.

Sadly, too many people continue to suffer in silence. As many as 15% of Canadians conceded they felt depressed to the point of feeling hopelessness almost every day for weeks at a time and 17% admitted this has happened to them at least once.

John Wright, senior vice-president of Ipsos Reid, talks about the findings of a recent poll which suggests one in three people are classified as high risk for a potential mental health issue. Wright is also quoted as saying that talking about mental health is a great step forward, but that the services need to follow next.

Depression & the Facts

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, approximately one in five Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime. In the United States it is estimated that at least six million men have a depressive every year. (Woman’s statistics were not stated)

Although depression is highly treatable, men seem to have more issue with recognizing, acknowledging, or seeking help. Although both men and women may develop the standard symptoms, they often experience their depression differently. This may lead to a number of different ways of coping.

Men may report fatigue, irritability, loss of interest in work or hobbies, and sleep disturbances. Women generally talk about feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and excessive guilt. Although women make more suicide attempts during their lives, tragically, four times as many men die by suicide.

According to WHO depression causes mental anguish and impacts on people’s ability to carry out even the simplest everyday tasks. It often has devastating consequences for relationships with family and friends. It challenges a person’s ability to earn a living.

What can you do to Fight Depression?

There are certain behaviors that will help to reduce stress and depression. Some of the simple things that can be done by most people is to engage in a regular exercise regime, walk to work, eat healthy meals, adopt a pet and develop a good social support network. A positive outlook on life and good self- esteem have been shown to decrease stress and depression.

]]>https://jkstalent.com/health-day-depression/feed/03787Luck of the Irish To Yehttps://jkstalent.com/irish-luck/
https://jkstalent.com/irish-luck/#respondFri, 17 Mar 2017 18:39:26 +0000http://jkstalent.com/?p=3357Top o’ the mornin’ to ye Lads and Lassies and the rest of the day to ‘me self! Are ye Irish perchance? If ye aren’t – not to worry because the Irish believe – “A handful of skill is better than a bagful of gold.” ~ Irish Proverb The Luck of the Irish is celebrated each […]

Top o’ the mornin’ to ye Lads and Lassies and the rest of the day to ‘me self! Are ye Irish perchance? If ye aren’t – not to worry because the Irish believe –

“A handful of skill is better than a bagful of gold.” ~ Irish Proverb

The Luck of the Irish is celebrated each March 17th, not only in Ireland but throughout the world by Irish and non-Irish alike. Originally dedicated to the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a more secular celebration of Irish heritage, including parades, festivals, and gatherings around the world. In fact, it is the most widely celebrated saint’s day on the planet. Just remember you will need to be “wearin’ o’ the green”.

Celebrate the Luck of the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day

The whole world loves the Irish. How could anyone not? No other country is as stereotypically drunk, fun and friendly. No other country has been the direct or indirect cause of populating so many other countries. In North America and other places in the New World, millions claim Irish ancestry and take extreme pride in their roots – including the writer of this blog! Aye, me grinmither, she came from Dooblin, she did.

In Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador, boast as being almost exclusively made up of Irish descendants so like Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is regarded as a public holiday. According to the Irish Tourist Office, around 70 million people around the world consider themselves Irish or of Irish ancestry. And according to American census reports, more than 10 times more Irish are living in North America than in Ireland. Even Barack Obama has Irish roots!

St. Patrick’s Day is honored in many ways and not only in Irish pubs! A number of business offices have embraced the tradition so you may see many wearing something green next Tuesday. You know there are more than “fifty shades” to choose from! If you don’t own any clothing, how about finding a green scarf, tie, pin or socks? Wearing green is believed to make one invisible to leprechauns who will pinch anyone they see!

All things Irish that Bring Luck

The Luck of the Irish isn’t luck at all, but more of an attitude, a positive look at a bad situation. It is a peculiar phrase that may have multiple meanings. There is little agreement on the origins of this idiom, and some suggest it simply means that the Irish are inherently lucky, and seem to be able to land on their feet whenever a bad circumstance may occur.

Celtic Music is associated with St. Patrick’s Day—and Irish culture in general. The Celts had an oral culture, where religion, legend and history were passed from one generation to the next by way of stories and songs. In Canada there are a number of talented Celtic groupsthat have modernized this music and kept it alive.

Did ye know that St. Paddy’s Day ……

Was a dry holiday in Ireland until 1970. Being a religious holiday the pubs were closed.

The real St. Patrick wasn’t even Irish. He was born in Britain (some say Wales) around A.D. 390.

The color traditionally associated with St. Patrick was blue, not green.

The shamrock was considered a sacred plant in ancient Ireland because it symbolized the rebirth of spring and some say the holy trinity.

The song ” Danny Boy” was written by an Englishman and “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” was written by two Americans.

Vancouver holds a Celticfest that includes a St. Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday, March 15th.

Montreal boasts the longest-running St. Patrick’s Day parade in the country (since 1824)

Toronto maintains a very large and representative St. Patrick’s Day Parade with floats from nearly every county in Ireland.

The Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team was known as the Toronto St. Patrick’sfrom 1919 to 1927, and wore green jerseys. When the Maple Leafs played on Saint Patrick’s Day 1999, they wore green Saint Patrick’s retro uniforms to honor the day.

Irish-Americans are the largest ethnic group in Chicago and the city dyes a portion of the Chicago River green as a tribute to St. Patrick’s Day.

On any given day 5.5 million pints of Guinness, the famous Irish stout brand, are consumed around the world. According to Guinness drinking of the “Black Stuff” more than doubles to 13 million pints on St. Patrick’s Day.

“Dance as if no one were watching, Sing as if no one were listening, And live every day as if it were your last” is an old Irish saying

“What’s the craic?” (Irish for fun/enjoyment)

Green beer has become a staple and popular symbol for St. Patrick’s Day. So how does one make Green Beer? It takes a wee bit of effort!

Step 1 – place beer mugs in the refrigerator to chill

Step 2 – add a drop of either green food coloring OR a couple of drops of Blue Curacoa into the bottom of the mugs BEFORE pouring a pale colored beer

Step 3 – hold the mug at a 45 degree angle and begin to pour the beer aiming at the midpoint – halfway down the mug. Tilt the mug up as the beer reaches the halfway point. Finish with a ½ – 1 ½ inch head.

Step 4 – offer a blessing to get your Irish eyes smilin’ – see below

Considering the Irish do love their pubs, beer and whiskey, it is only natural that they would have a number of colorful phrases that have been developed into Toasts and Blessings.

Here’s to you and yours and to mine and ours. And if mine and ours ever come across to you and yours, I hope you and yours will do as much for mine and ours as mine and ours have done for you and yours!

May your heart be light and happy, may your smile be big and wide, and may your pockets always have a coin or two inside!

May you always walk in sunshine. May you never want for more. May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door.

May the luck of the Irish be with you!

There are only two kinds of people in the world, the Irish and those who wish they were.

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May you live as long as you want
And never want as long as you live

Peace on your hand and health to all who shake it

May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.

or how about a Baby Guinness? To make this ‘shot’, in a shot glass, layer 1/2 oz of Bailey’s Irish Cream on top of 1 1/4 oz of the Kahlua.

Life’s too short not to be Irish

So when St. Patrick’s Day rolls around next Tuesday morn’, let’s have a wee bit o’ the Irish in all of us. No one is going to be helping themselves to a pint or a whiskey on the job, so here is an Irish Cream recipe that can be safely enjoyed by each lass and lad – whether it be bucketing down (raining) or the day be grand. Make it Irish and all will seem bright and gay! (Bailey’s Irish Cream – optional)

Irish morn’ coffee ingredients

1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup 2% milk

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons chocolate syrup

1 tablespoon instant coffee granules

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Directions

In a blender, combine the first eight ingredients; cover and process until smooth. Store in the refrigerator.

For each serving, place coffee in a mug. Stir in 1/3 cup Irish cream. Heat mixture in a microwave if desired.

May the leprechauns be near you
To spread luck along your way
And may all the Irish angels
Smile upon you on St. Patrick’s Day

]]>https://jkstalent.com/irish-luck/feed/03357The Equality and Empowerment of Womenhttps://jkstalent.com/equality-empowerment-women/
https://jkstalent.com/equality-empowerment-women/#respondWed, 08 Mar 2017 17:00:33 +0000http://jkstalent.com/?p=3772 March 8th is International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day is about Equality for Women. Each year it is celebrated around the world on March 8th. Increasingly, as women’s movements gain momentum, the subject of gender equality and women’s exceptional contributions to society are discussed – by men and women alike. Today, a woman’s ability to […]

International Women’s Day is about Equality for Women. Each year it is celebrated around the world on March 8th. Increasingly, as women’s movements gain momentum, the subject of gender equality and women’s exceptional contributions to society are discussed – by men and women alike. Today, a woman’s ability to make a difference and create extraordinary roles is changing history.

“A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men.” – Gloria Steinem

The Humble Beginnings of International Women’s Day

The first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1908. It began as a march of 15,000 women in the streets of New York City demanding their rights – their human rights. Since that time, women throughout the world have joined hands on March 8th to support, raise, inspire and motivate their peers.

International Women’s Day exists to remind us that individuals and organizations must provide a conscious commitment to provide an inclusive process – a process that supports gender parity for all. Particularly in the hunt for talent. #ShatterTheGlassCeiling

“In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders.” – Sheryl Sandberg

Equality in the Workplace

Employment Equality is central to the achievement of Gender Equality. Compared to men, women are less likely to work full-time, more likely to be employed in lower-paid occupations, and less likely to progress in their careers. On International Women’s Day we celebrate womanhood and women’s achievements in all their various forms – social, political, cultural, and economic.

“The education and empowerment of women throughout the world cannot fail to result in a more caring, tolerant, just and peaceful life for all.” -Aung San Suu Kyi

Today’s workplace is changing and will continue to change – due to the efforts of employers and individuals. Thanks to globalization, technology and the digital revolution, more and better opportunities are emerging for women. Fortunately, these opportunities are not gender specific types of roles. We, as business people, must all be cognizant of encouraging the hiring of more women. Diversity in the workplace supports, grows and contributes to the economic empowerment of women. It also has a significant impact on our global economies.

Sadly, the World Economic Forum predicts the gender gap won’t be eradicated for at least another 150 years. Thatis unacceptable. In order for our societies to continue to thrive, women and girls must have access to education, healthcare, and technology NOW. The United Nations believes the condoning of gender inequality needs to be addressed today. Their 2017 International Women’s Day theme is – “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030”.

“We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” – Malala Yousafzai

Success, Women, Equality and the UN

At this year’s Academy Awards, the nominated film, Hidden Figures, tells the true-life story of three Black Women who played a vital role at NASA during the early years of the US space program. Many were shocked, and pleasantly surprised, to hear their story. Unfortunately, there are many major contributions made by women that are not well known, taught in history classes or documented by historians. IWD helps us realize that more efforts must be made to share, acknowledge and applaud women’s accomplishments. More Hidden Figures Overlooking important contributions is a blemish on our societies.

“Girls should never be afraid to be smart.” – Emma Watson

On Wednesday, March 8th the world will come together to commemorate all women – the known and the unknown. On this day people we will applaud women and support their equal rights and freedoms. We will acknowledge that women have the same right to innovation, education and career opportunities. Call on yourself to help forge a better working world – a more gender inclusive world. #BeBoldForChange.

“On International Women’s Day, let us all pledge to do everything we can to overcome entrenched prejudice, support engagement and activism, and promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. “ ~United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, former Prime Minister of Portugal

Women’s Rights are Human Rights

The notion that “women’s rights are human rights” was first enunciated, in slightly different words, by the abolitionists and proto-feminists Sarah Moore Grimké and Angelina Grimké Weld in the early 19th century. Since that time, this phrase has been used by various individuals including Canadian politician Ed Broadbent. In 1993 he was the head of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development. Broadbent said “If we believe as a society that women’s rights are human rights, then it is time to stop discriminating against women in refugee policy.”

In 1995 Hillary Clinton spoke to a gathering of women in Bejing, China. In her speech she declared “it is no longer acceptable to discuss women’s rights as separate from human rights.” That speech was listed as number 35 in American Rhetoric’s Top 100 Speeches of the 20th Century. Another American leader and supporter of women, former US president Barack Obama, proclaimed the month of March as Women’s History Month in 2011.

“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama

There is still urgent work to do. The 2017 International Women’s Day campaign calls on people to march towards a better working world – a more gender inclusive world. Although the workplace may still be far from ideal for women, if people continue to fight for equality, there will always be hope.

“A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle.” – Irina Dunn

]]>https://jkstalent.com/equality-empowerment-women/feed/03772Program Management vs. Project Managementhttps://jkstalent.com/program-management-vs-project-management/
https://jkstalent.com/program-management-vs-project-management/#respondThu, 02 Feb 2017 17:17:33 +0000http://jkstalent.com/?p=2920Program Management vs. Project Management – Is there any difference? Is there any real difference between PROGRAM Management and PROJECT Management? This is a question I hear time after time. Although there are several unique differences in these two roles, one might say the short answer is ‘it depends’. In smaller sized businesses the distinction between program management and […]

Program Management vs. Project Management – Is there any difference?

Is there any real difference between PROGRAMManagement and PROJECT Management? This is a question I hear time after time.

Although there are several unique differences in these two roles, one might say the short answer is ‘it depends’. In smaller sized businesses the distinction between program management and project management is usually based on organizational structure, company goals and the complexity of the business. In larger or more mature organizations, these roles will be much more clearly defined, aligned with the business and the unique characteristics of each will be observed.

Many organizations still struggle to answer the question of why there would be a need for both project management and program management. To the layman, there is a myth that a program manager simply “wears a bigger and wider hat”.

Key Characteristics with Program Management and Project Management

At the high level, and simplest understanding, there are two key characteristic differences that distinguish program management from project management:

Programs encompass a series of progressive projects with an overarching set of objectives based on scope and scale. Projects have specific and more singular objectives and outcomes.

Program management involves more than simply the oversight of a set of projects. It includes application of common standards, processes, governance and annual budgets that oversee the successful execution of all projects.

Even though there may appear to be many similarities between the two roles, being able to tell what sets apart program management from project management helps companies be more productive and deliver better results.

Program Management Project Management

Definition

Program management is a long-term initiative that top executives implement to improve an organization’s strategic vision, mission, and competitive status in an industry or economic sector.

Project management is centralized management by an individual to plan, organize, control and deploy key milestones, deliverables and resources from conception through completion.

Duration

Programs are ongoing in nature. Programs usually span a far greater duration than a project

Projects run on project time and have a agreed upon end date.

Financial Impacts

Responsible for revenue and costs that are critical and tied to the financial calendar and results. Budget planning, management and control is significantly more complex in the context of a program.

Not responsible for quarterly or annual results. Responsible to manage a, typically, straight-forward budget meeting specifications on time and within budget.

Governance

Programs are governance intensive. They typically have a senior level board that provides direction, oversight and control. The Program Manager facilitates the resolving of disagreements and must be able to influence at the executive level.

Projects may have a similar governance structure but tend to be less governance intensive.

Change Management

Executive leadership capability that is more difficult to manage because programs are driven by an organizations strategy and are subject to market conditions and changing business goals.

Uses a formal change management process.

Functional Focus

Context, people, politics and negotiating- role is more strategic and focused on the big picture – how the projects within the program result in business benefits. Focus is beyond the end date of the individual projects to the transitional and operational elements.

Content, scope, schedules, resources – role is more tactical, narrower and deeper, centred on completing tasks, deliverables and outputs of the project and completing on time and on budget.

People Interaction

Facilitators and coaches who can inspire and guide project managers and their teams to achieve the strategic goals of the programs.

Team player who may contribute to deliverables and motivate others through use knowledge, skills, tools and techniques.

Success Factors

Leadership and vision is measured by the implementation and fulfillment of strategy and realization of benefits like growth, productivity or bottom line results – maximizing ROI and value delivery.

Projects deliver outputs, discrete parcels or “chunks” of change on time, to budget and to specification.

As stated by Dr. James T. Brown in his book “The Handbook of Program Management“ a Program Manager is first and foremost a leader with their primary leadership duty being to turn chaos into clarity for the team.

Program managers should never micromanage and should leave project management to the project managers. Project managers need clear direction and circumstances. This allows them to be successful fulfilling the immediate tasks, timelines and goals of the project.

Many project managers look up to program managers and aspire to be in their shoes one day although that is not every project manager’s career path. Business today employs a new level of thinking and management approach at the program level. The person who is good as a project manager may not be proficient as a program manager. Program management may not be for everyone.

“One of the true tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency.”~Arnold H. Glasgow, American businessman and humorist

]]>https://jkstalent.com/program-management-vs-project-management/feed/02920The Rooster Crows this Lunar New Yearhttps://jkstalent.com/rooster-crows-chinese-new-year/
https://jkstalent.com/rooster-crows-chinese-new-year/#respondFri, 27 Jan 2017 17:00:43 +0000http://jkstalent.com/?p=37402017 is The Year of the Fire Rooster The Chinese New Year 2017 begins on Saturday, 28th January 2017 and celebrations will continue through until February 15th, 2017. This will be the year to embrace opportunities and navigate challenges. Referred to as the Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year or the “Spring Festival”, this is the […]

2017 is The Year of the Fire Rooster

The Chinese New Year 2017 begins on Saturday, 28th January 2017 and celebrations will continue through until February 15th, 2017. This will be the year to embrace opportunities and navigate challenges.

Referred to as the Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year or the “Spring Festival”, this is the longest and most important holiday in countries and territories with significant Chinese populations. More than 20% of the world’s population will be celebrating this event.

New Year Traditions

The New Year festival is centuries old and it includes several myths and traditions.The Chinese believe that as they enter a new year, they should start a new beginning. They clean their houses, pay off all of their debts, buy new clothes, paint their doors, and even get new haircuts in order to have a fresh start for the new year. Once all the work is finished, the fun begins.

One important tradition is the exchanging gifts. A traditional present is a small red envelope filled with “lucky money”. These envelopes are usually given to children by their family and friends. Red envelopes are also given by the married to the unmarried – again mostly children. Sometimes red envelopes are only given to young people without jobs – students and future students. Those studying in the sciences are typically rewarded the most handsomely.

A Chinese New Year celebration would not be complete without the presence of a giant dragon, fireworks and firecrackers. It is believed that the noise of the fireworks is supposed to scare away all evil spirits. This permits the new year to begin without any misfortunes.

Why the Fire Rooster?

There are Twelve Signs of the Zodiac and 2017 is a Rooster year. The Chinese term for rooster is actually fairly generic. This year may also be referred to as year of barnyard fowl of either sex. Cock, Chicken, Hen. In some cases, the year of the Rooster is even translated as the year of the Phoenix.

The Rooster is the 10th sign in the Chinese zodiac. The Rooster is considered to be honorable and upstanding. He represents the sign of dawn and awakening, triumph and success achieved at the price of hard work and patience.

There are five Taoist Elements – also named the Five Movements, Five Phrases, Five Steps or Five States of Change.

Jin (Metal)

Mu (Wood)

Shui (Water)

Huo (Fire)

Tu (Earth)

This makes a total of 5 Rooster combinations with this year being Year of the Fire Rooster.

Types

Years of Birth

Personality Traits

Metal Rooster

Wood Rooster

Water Rooster

Fire Rooster

Earth Rooster

1921, 1981

1945, 2005

1933, 1993

1957, 2017

1909, 1969

Clear mind and exceptional logic, brave to overcome difficulties.

Energetic, humorous, paying great attention to family.

Smart and agile, sensitive, keen on art and niceness.

Holding strong sense of time, trustworthy; good at managing money.

Active, perceptive, like traveling and making friends.

The Year of the Rooster will bring us all a year full of enthusiasm, passion, joy and creativity. Roosters are communal birds so 2017 predictions promise to be a lucky one for joint ventures. This will be a powerful and decisive year – no middle of the road when it comes to moving forward. Impressions will count, so it will be important to be clear about intentions concerning love, money, and business.

The Good, Bad & Ugly On Rooster People

The Rooster is trustworthy, with a strong sense of timekeeping and responsibility at work. Roosters are loyal and they make devoted friends. They always keep their promises and are always true to their word.

People born in a Rooster year are very observant hardworking, resourceful, courageous and talented. Roosters are often very confident about themselves and are more motivated than other animals in the Chinese zodiac. Their careers are a priority in their lives.

Roosters are always active, amusing and popular among the crowd. They are being happiest when they are surrounded by others and in the spotlight. Roosters are talkative, outspoken, frank, open, honest, and loyal individuals. They put their best foot forward to appear attractive and beautiful. Problem solving is a special talent because Roosters are equipped with keen judgment and a quick wit.

What challenges a Rooster is a sense of impatience, a critical view and potentially eccentric. . When their work ethic is taken to the extreme, they can become fussy, critical, controlling and narrow-minded. Roosters like to crow about themselves and their accomplishments. They are often considered to be vain and selfish.

Roosters are perfectionists who care what other people think. They expect to be praised for doing a splendid job and have people listen to them while they speak. Count on a Rooster to become agitated if that is not the case. Sometimes overconfident, Roosters may be prone to come up with nonsensical plans.

In a Rooster Year, everyone can achieve great things by tapping into the traits of the Rooster – loyalty, commitment, hard work and strong family values.

Rooster Compatability

The forecast is that 2017 will be best for Dragons, an amazing year for the Rooster, Ox and Snake. These four zodiac signs are most compatible. It will also be a good year for Tiger and, Rats.

Pigs, Goats and Monkeys can anticipate a mixed year and it will be tough for Dogs, Rabbits and Horses. Roosters do not get along as well with Rabbit so those born under that sign should be cautious.

Chinese astrology is considered to be an ancient and powerful tool for predicting the future and the most ancient system in the world – over 5000 years old. Each sign and those born under it, are represented by one of twelve animals, and each sign is given a set of attributes that the Chinese believe describe the nature of each particular animal.

Your 2017 Horoscope

The animal ruling the year in which you were born has a major profound influence on your life.

This Rooster New Year may you have the courage to march forward without hesitation to realize all your dreams and ambitions.

]]>https://jkstalent.com/rooster-crows-chinese-new-year/feed/03740Who’s Afraid of Friday the 13th, really?https://jkstalent.com/afraid-friday-13/
https://jkstalent.com/afraid-friday-13/#respondFri, 13 Jan 2017 19:58:52 +0000http://jkstalent.com/?p=3721Friday the 13th. It is something you can’t avoid. You can count on it to happen at least once every year. In 2017 we will have two. Today and Friday, October 13th. This inauspicious date has plenty of rumors and superstition surrounding it. You have to ask the question – Is there actually any truth […]

Friday the 13th. It is something you can’t avoid. You can count on it to happen at least once every year. In 2017 we will have two. Today and Friday, October 13th.

This inauspicious date has plenty of rumors and superstition surrounding it. You have to ask the question – Is there actually any truth behind all the myth and fear mongering? Whether there is or not, there are people who get nervous and just may be a little more careful today.

Why all the anxiety about Friday the 13th?

It seems over the years that Western culture has become ingrained with a fear of Friday the 13th. In other cultures, it’s totally meaningless. Although some of us may be a bit more observant of stepping under ladders or crossing paths with black cats, there a few individuals that experience extreme angst. For that reason, there appear to be some activities or lack of activities on Friday the 13th present a major financial challenge to businesses.

It has been estimated that upwards of $800 to $900 million is lost on that one single day because people refuse to fly, eat in restaurants, buy a house, sign important documents, host a party, apply for a job, get married or act on a hot stock tip. Basically – Friday the 13th has become the day that is not business as usual.

Triskaidekaphobia – Fear of the Number 13

Strictly speaking, triskaidekaphobia refers only to fear of the number 13. It seems a modern amalgamation of two older superstitions: thirteen is an unlucky number and Friday is an unlucky day has resulted in the fear of a double dose of unluckiness. Both Napoleon and President Herbert Hoover suffered from triskaidekaphobia.

The proper name for the fear of Friday the 13th is actually friggatriskaidekaphobia or paraskevidekatriaphobia. Henry Ford would not do business on a Friday the 13th and Franklin Delano Roosevelt avoided travel on that day. Franklin Roosevelt died on the afternoon of Thursday, April 12, 1945.

How do we view the ominous number 13?

Many buildings and skyscrapers do not have a 13th floor

Some hospitals avoid labeling rooms with the number 13

Many airports will not have a gate 13

Some cities do not have a 13th Street or a 13th Avenue

In Florence, Italy, house addresses between number 12 and 14 are addressed as 12 1/2

In some areas, calling a doctor for the first time on a Friday is a certain omen of death and worse on the 13th

Cutting hair and nails on a Friday the 13th is a certain path to misfortune.

The number of property transactions decline on Friday the 13th

When entertaining, some hosts will not allow 13 people to sit at a table – a second table would be set up if there are exactly 13 guests

In France socialites known as the quatorzains (“fourteeners”) once made themselves available as a 14th guest to keep a dinner party from an unlucky fate

Skippers do not favor going out to sea with a crew of 12 because including the captain that made 13 people on board

Ancient Babylonian Code of Hammurah omitted the number 13 in its list of laws

The Knights Templar were arrested on Friday, October 13, 1307

In the Middle Ages, it was believed witches met in covens of 13 – and the 13th member was the devil himself

On Friday, Oct. 13, 1989, Wall Street saw the second largest drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average in history. The day became known as Friday-the-13th Mini-Crash

The Apollo 13 lunar mission was aborted after an oxygen tank exploded

Australia’s biggest wildfire, Florida’s Hurricane Charley, and Kansas’s “Great Flood of 1951” all occurred on a Friday the 13th

How bad is the day, really?

While the majority of us will grit our teeth and muster through the day, Friday the 13th isn’t all bad. Paramount Pictures made a killing (no pun intended) with their multiple Friday the 13th films. Although the movies were never popular with critics, they are considered to be one of the most successful media franchises created in Hollywood.

In 2008 an insurance study was conducted in the Netherlands to prove that Friday the 13th was no different than any other day of the year. The report included two years of data and actually ended up demonstrating the opposite to what was expected. It was revealed that this day is actually a slightly safer day to drive. It was also discovered there were fewer general accidents on that day and fewer reports of fire and theft. The experts believe that preventative actions are likely the reason.

Ancient Mayans considered the number 13 to be sacred so it is entirely possible to turn the tables and make Friday the 13th your super lucky day. It can be as simple as having a good attitude and a relaxed approach to daily life. According to CNN.com, one British couple won $17 million after buying their lottery ticket on Friday 13 – the same day that their mirror at home fell and broke!

“If people believe that something has negative value, if people believe they’re going to experience bad luck on Friday the 13th, it’s more likely to happen to them.” ~ Gary Waite, Professor of Early Modern History, University of New Brunswick

Bring yourself good luck on Friday the 13th

Luck is usually the result of effort and common sense combined. Sometimes people choose to see things as lucky because they were unexpected and other times we know we createour own luck.

Get out of the bed on the right side (that is, not the left side of the bed)

Get your most trusted lucky charm out and put it in your pocket for the day

Tell everyone that 13 is your lucky number

Pet a black cat. Close your eyes and scratch, listen to the purr. Black cats face terrible discrimination from the superstitious. It still counts if the kitty has white mittens or tuxedo markings

Avoid useless, purposeless risks

Clothes worn inside out will bring good luck (well, maybe just your underwear)

Did you know? The Hollywood sign – which originally read HOLLYWOODLAND – was unveiled on Friday 13 July, 1923 and has become one of the world’s biggest tourist attractions.

It is bad luck to fall out of a thirteenth story window on Friday.~ American Proverb

]]>https://jkstalent.com/afraid-friday-13/feed/03721National Mentoring Month – Plans & Strategieshttps://jkstalent.com/mentorship-month-plans-strategies/
https://jkstalent.com/mentorship-month-plans-strategies/#respondFri, 06 Jan 2017 17:15:09 +0000http://jkstalent.com/?p=3714January is National Mentoring Month. Originally created in 2002 by the Harvard Business School, January is dedicated to promoting a culture where mentoring is the focus. A New Era of Mentoring Traditionally, mentoring meant matching senior leaders with promising entry-level associates. Today’s workplace is made up of at least 3 defined age groups. Millenials being […]

January is National Mentoring Month. Originally created in 2002 by the Harvard Business School, January is dedicated to promoting a culture where mentoring is the focus.

A New Era of Mentoring

Traditionally, mentoring meant matching senior leaders with promising entry-level associates. Today’s workplace is made up of at least 3 defined age groups. Millenials being the fastest growing segment. Have Millennials ever taken a traditional approach to anything?

Jeanne Meister, co-author of The 2020 Workplace., tells us that younger workers may be viewed as less respectful of more experienced colleagues and, in particular, they don’t feel compelled to follow in the same path as their superiors.

Millenials (born 1977 – 1997) have some of their on thoughts on mentorship. For some, this may come across as incredibly annoying – particularly in established corporate hierarchies. Younger, tech-savvy workers consider themselves as more technically equipped for our modern workplace than some of their more experienced (read senior) colleagues. Many within an age-diverse workplace may be intimidated by Millenials because of their impatience and more aggressive stance on career goals.

“Millennials can be bold and hungry when it comes to getting what they want. And today’s new mentorship models are more like Twitter conversations than the long-term relationships of days past.” – Jeanne Meister

Modern Mentorship

Will it now be necessary to conduct mentorship in 140 characters or less? Not necessarily. Today mentoring may be shorter in scope and less formal in delivery but it will still be a very desirable component of corporate life. Millennials have one other thing in common with the rest of their age-diverse team. No matter how smart or how confident, the desire to learn and grow continues to be looked for and it will come in the form of mentoring.

According to an online survey (Multiple Generations @ Work) conducted with more than 1,000 workers, 66% of Millenials believe their personal drive is intimidating to colleagues because they expect to jump in and contribute all they have immediately. Millenials don’t “get” the concept of organizational hierarchies. Waiting in line is not an experience they would choose. Millenials are more keen on creating a plan for growth. One that includes a fluid and flexible mentoring process. One that engages and supports them with meeting their goals and providing opportunities to make a difference.

Carefully designed and created mentoring programs enable the sharing of knowledge and encourage the application of learning. This is what will be of the most benefit to both companies and their people. Solid mentoring programs will continue to identify opportunities and unlock doors to self-expression and awareness. Additionally, these programs will position everyone in the organization to better understand each other and challenge existing ways of thinking. What will it take to build this new mentoring culture?

Mentoring as a Business Strategy

Over the years, there have been a number of larger organizations that have implemented mandatory mentorship programs with great results. These companies have enjoyed the outcomes and benefited from their commitment – particularly in times when qualified talent is not in abundance.

Mentoring programs provide executives with the ability to stay on the pulse of trends. In particular, the trends that are most important to their newer and younger staff members. These employees become actively engaged, build internal relationships and feel more connected. The message is loud and clear. The company is obviously invested in them. They will be able to make better contributions to the improvement of their employer – and at the highest level.

We know that today’s younger candidates are attracted to work environments that are more democratic, collaborative, flexible, transparent, authentic, purposeful, collegial, team-oriented and less restrictive. Although Millennials may have a different view of how they’d like to work, what they still have respect for their more experienced colleagues.

Millenials want to work for people who will inspire them to do great work. They want to be confident that the experienced people will help them through the rough patches whether that is starting at a new company, growing their repertoire of skills or guiding them along the way. Millenials want mentors.

53% of Millennials surveyed said mentors would help them become better and more productive members of the company.

Mentorship Programs & Strategies

Over the last few years, companies have begun experimenting with alternative, more creative forms of mentoring. Rather than impose traditional relationships and settings on the younger generation, it is smart leadership who embrace a modern form of development. Think of this as “mentoring moments”. Different styles have come along since traditional forms were developed. Some of these styles work best in person and others may include the use of technologies such as Skype or Google Hangouts.

Peer Mentoring

Millennials are team players and value group interaction. Peer mentoring is an effective style of mentorship used with like-minded individuals. Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg has named this form of mentoring as “Lean in Circles.” The added advantage is that members of ” the circle” can choose someone in the group who best fits a situation that is challenging them at that particular moment.

Group Mentoring

In the Group Mentoring model, there is usually one mentor for a group of mentorees (anywhere from three to eight). This group counseling method has a double-sided benefit. The group learns from the mentor as well as one another at the same time. The meetings themselves are a bit more casual and there is never a spotlight placed on any one individual.

Speed Mentoring

Speed mentoring is a practice where “fast track talent” work with multiple individuals for shorter blocks of time. The focus is to facilitate learning and encourage reflection. This style develops an independent manager rather than one reliant on one designated mentor.

With speed mentoring , the mentoree is encouraged to feel secure enough to take risks and conquer their doubts or fears. The goal is to help develop good habits that ensure continual learning and growth. Instead of forcing single opinions, mentors explain their own approach and help mentorees find their own individual style.

Situational Mentoring

This style is another take on peer mentoring. In this model, a mentoree seeks out a mentor for a specific task. For example, a mentoree may wish to work on their public speaking skills. The mentoree might approach someone within the organization who is well respected in that area.

Situational mentoring is short term, hyper-specific, and not unlike coaching. This form of mentorship offers one-on-one interaction and practice. It also provides personal attention, feedback, and the opportunity to share and challenge ideas. In some cases, shadowing may be involved along with follow-up sessions

Reverse Mentoring

The application of Reverse Mentoring has gained significant traction in newer and rapidly changing industry sectors – particularly where mature workers are interacting with their younger colleagues on a regular basis. In this model, the more senior people are kept current by their younger counterparts. The mature employees will rely on the technical skills and expertise of the next generation to keep up. In this model, it’s not so much about words of wisdom or advice handed out. It is about sharing know-how.

Reverse mentoring has definitely become one of the rising trends in corporate structures. It’s a smart move and one that needs to be fully flushed out. This is not to say that Millennials don’t need older mentors who are established in their fields. Mentors who can share their decades of experience. Why this model is working so well is that it supports more mature employees with input and feedback in new areas of business such as social media, promotion of content, the latest technology trends, etc. Reverse mentoring was popularized by former General Electric Chairman Jack Welch.

Anonymous Mentoring

Anonymous mentoring is an especially unique model that has more recently been introduced. In this method , the mentor and mentoree have no previous connection. Their contact and exchanges are conducted entirely online. The mentor is most often a professional coach or seasoned executive who will remain anonymous.

This form of mentoring may use psychological testing and a background review to match participants with trained mentors outside the organization. The engagement is generally contracted and paid for by the company, lasting anywhere from 6 to 12 months. It may be regularly scheduled or “on-demand”.

Anonymous mentoring is most effective when “high potential” individuals are required to grow to their next level of achievement. There are many benefits of an anonymous mentoring relationship simply because of the nature of the interaction. There is a higher level of disclosure, more candid interaction, freedom for the mentor to share painful personal war stories, an agenda-free interest and a willingness of the mentoree to open up, share and discuss problems and uncertainties.

Hybrid Programs

Some companies may have very successful traditional mentoring programs. As more Millenials join their company they may not want to abandon what is presenting working with their existing people. This is where a hybrid model may be effective.

It may make total sense to continue offering an established one-to-one program and introduce Situational Mentoring in parallel. The younger mentorees can then choose the model that speaks loudest to them. They may even choose to embrace both programs by having one dedicated mentor and access to other people who can coach them in specific areas, when needed.

Mentoring, while supportive, is about offering a challenge to accepted forms of thinking, cultural norms and an organizational perspective. Ideally a mentor will suspend judgment and encourage exploration, experiment and reflection on a range of options. Obviously, rapport is essential in the establishment of the relationship. Keeping the execution open, honest, fluid and flexible will ensure all parties experience the maximum benefit from the program(s).

Mentors can be cheerleaders or coaches but never critics.

Summary

Supporting and encouraging both informal and formal mentoring programs within a business enriches interaction and stronger relationships throughout the company. Mentoring programs engage, encourage and support employees. They also enhance the quality of the employee’s performance, boost satisfaction and grow loyalty and commitment.

Mentoring relationships are never about power. They are focused on learning. When an employee believes their employer is willing to invest in their career, they will reach higher, be less likely tempted to leave and devote themselves to helping their company grow. To coin an old expression – Mentoring Programs are a Win-Win all the way around.

January 19, 2017 is National “Thank Your Mentor Day”.

]]>https://jkstalent.com/mentorship-month-plans-strategies/feed/03714A Look Forward to 2017 Employee Market Trendshttps://jkstalent.com/a-look-forward-2017-employee-market-trends/
https://jkstalent.com/a-look-forward-2017-employee-market-trends/#respondThu, 22 Dec 2016 20:30:13 +0000http://jkstalent.com/?p=3688Trends for 2017? It seems that at the end of every year the term “trend” pops up. What can be anticipated to continue, evolve and change? What will be brand spanking new? What’s in the cards that will cause the next disruption in the workplace? Job openings hit an all-time high in 2016. Is this […]

Trends for 2017? It seems that at the end of every year the term “trend” pops up. What can be anticipated to continue, evolve and change? What will be brand spanking new? What’s in the cards that will cause the next disruption in the workplace?

Job openings hit an all-time high in 2016. Is this a trend that will continue? What other trends should we consider and anticipate in 2017?

Overall Employment Market Trend

In case you just woke up late in the year, you may not have realized that we are currently in the midst of a highly competitive and significant candidate driven employment market. If there ever was a time that the cliché ‘war for talent’ would be more heavily applied, it is now! Expect this trend to be with us for a few years yet. Supply and demand dictates.

Job seekers and existing employees have more leverage than ever before. Thought you felt the crunch in 2016? Just wait. Things are just heating up.

Forget running job ads, postings and the usual other easy picking tactics. If you want to land great candidates, you will need a much more strategic approach. Today’s most desirable candidates don’t have to look for a job. They are expecting their next employer to find them. This trend is can be expected to continue.

What does this mean for the companies looking for their next great hire? A return to good old fashioned headhunting is on the agenda. That will be the ticket to get candidates through the door. And then you just have to apply some extra effort to keep them there. What trend will you be adopting in 2017?

Emergence of Highly Focused HR Practitioners

With the significant shift in the employment market, today’s HR Practioner requires a fresh and different set of skills. The true Human Resource Professionals have moved well beyond overseeing payroll, benefits management, administrative functions and recruitment. Those areas are easily, sensibly and wisely outsourced to make time for other pressing issues.

What is expected of a talented HR Professional now? They must understand the long-term business plan, be strategic in their program management, make solid contributions at ‘the table’ and appreciate that the walls are coming down between Marketing, Sales, Customer Service and Operations.

A new set of skills includes being able to initiate discussions about people analytics, Internet marketing, corporate branding, distributed workforces and embracing a deeper knowledge of new technologies that will support and drive Human Resources programs.

HR’s focus is shifting in many areas thanks to current trends:

Demand for the development of strategies to improve experiences for both candidates and employees. A recent study found that nearly 60% of job seekers have had a poor candidate experience when meeting with a potential employer. Online sites such as Glassdoor.com is attracting 72% of disappointed or angry interviewees to share their experience with the world.

Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreements are being revisited. Many employers are increasing headcount and there just is not an abundance of available talent to choose from. Expect competitors to lure away quality employees. As this practice catches more steam, it will be necessary to revisit non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements while determining Intellectual property rights

Workforce planning will kick into high gear to align the requirements and priorities of the business with employment needs. This may have once been a straightforward task, but in today’s market conditions there are many reasons to factor in external elements such as industry disruptions, new or rapidly developing employment trends and the shift in talent availability.

Key Performance Indicators have changed. The annual performance review is now a thing of the past. It is fairly well accepted that the ‘agility’ of continuous, ongoing reviews is the new norm. Employees want to know where they stand. How their strengths can be further developed and how will they be supported to address their areas of improvement. This requires HR to regularly work with managers to ensure regular, rolling feedback exists between management and subordinates.

Adobe is one of the best examples of the advantages of implementing a ‘Check-In’ system. The company replaced annual performance reviews with an ongoing program.. Although ‘expectations’ continue to be set annually, individual feedback is given regularly. The result has been a 2% decrease in voluntary attrition.

GE developed a similar type of program called ‘Touchpoints’. The focus is on the results of daily developments and changing business demands. The company now enjoys a five times increase in productivity in their first year.

Income Trends & Expectations

For the past several years, salaries and bonuses in IT seem to have defied the basic laws of supply and demand. Even when demand skyrocketed, salaries and bonuses barely budged. That’s over now. Expect to see a real ‘bump’ in paychecks. Salary increases are now catching up with the competitive market – and fast. This is a trend we have not seen in many tears.

Don’t get fooled into believing the ‘salary reports’ that are sold to employers. Many organizations want to use salary surveys to set the compensation levels for their entire organizations. Unfortunately, it’s not always as easy as reading a survey and using the information. Salary reports are, at a minimum, 6 months old. This means they are out of date as soon as they are printed. It is far too late to use them when market conditions are as they are now.

Salary reports seldom, if ever, compare apples to apples. Job descriptions, education requirements, profiles and expectations are never exactly the same from company to company. Additionally, these reports never seem to acknowledge the major discrepancies between provinces or even between regions within a province. Other variables such as the size of an organization, its industry sector and operating budget all need to be factored in before setting things in stone. My recommendation is to talk with your peers in your own local market and trust them more than a salary report.

With the external market driving up wages, starting salaries must be adjusted for 2017. During an active candidate market, it is often less expensive to the organization to review existing employees every six months with the objective to bring them ‘up to market’. Replacing exiting employees, should they move on, is always going to be more costly and disruptive. Expect to pay a premium for a new hire, even though they are an unknown quantity. Correcting a great employee’s salary should always be the top priority.

There is definitely a wage premium when someone is considering switching jobs. That ‘improvement’ is near its highest point in the last several years. Most experienced and skilled candidates know that leaving their current company is going to dramatically improve their salary. If you are hiring in 2017, don’t expect candidates to change jobs for the same money. There are just too many better alternatives available.

Base salaries are forecasted to rise by only 3% next year. The most talented performers can expect a 4.9% bump in income. Now compare that to the opportunity one has to increase their income with a job change — a minimum of 10% and upwards of 20%. These numbers are not uncommon.

What else can be considered in 2017? The emergence of the “boomerang employee”. This is the long term employee who leaves a company for greater opportunity and returns at a later time for a much higher salary. A trend we can expect to see more of.

The Blended Workforce

In 2017 expect that the workforce will continue to diversify – in a variety of ways. The term “gig economy” will be in full swing. (Gig refers to the hiring of contract or freelance employees who will fulfill specific requirements or complete a specific task for a defined period of time) More of these short-term employees will produce a new set of challenges for Team Managers and HR.

‘Flexible teaming’ options will become standard. This means the combination of project teams made up of full-time salaried employees, hourly contractors and outsourced labor who are all working ‘side-by-side’. The diverse workforce will provide a completely new outlook on the business. Will this mean a shift to an ‘on-demand’ labor force? Hard to say now, but the next five years will be telling because teamwork is going to be much more valued above individual performance.

Expect to experience an impact on how companies will recruit, hire, motivate and retain their workforces. Different sets of employees will have varying demands and multiple expectations. The ‘technology gap’ will widen, created by workers with various degrees of expertise, years of experience and working styles. Accommodating the differences that will present themselves will take skilled managers.

In 2017, more organizations will begin adopting the Silicon Valley strategy of creating cross-functional and cross-departmental teams. Departmental walls will be torn down to encourage collaboration. The removal of ‘silos’ will streamline information sharing and result in increased productivity – holistically.

Employee Flexibility Benefit

Studies show that millennial workers actually value flexible working hours and benefits such as Training and Development as being more important than pure income. This is a very strong trend.

The increased expectation of a more flexible work environment is a trend that will continue to develop in 2017. This may consist of designated remote working days, volunteering extra working time for additional vacation time, overtime traded for time off and/or support for continuing education during working hours.

Improving technology that makes it possible for businesses to eliminate the traditional 9-to-5 schedule will be particularly attractive to younger workers. Hyper-connected Millennial business leaders are creating work environments that give employees the flexibility over their schedules. With the utilization of appropriate technologies, staff have the ability to work when and where it suits them best. Enjoying independence will provide 100% effort.

Workplace flexibility is fast becoming a predominant means to attract and retain the best people.

Employee Experience & Engagement

Customer experience has long been regarded as an important function within an organization. Employee experience is now catching up. This trend is at the forefront.

Typically Employee Experience is made up of three key components – people/culture, technical environment and physical environment. When combined, these three elements impacts how the employee will interact, engage and connect within the company. By aligning all of the elements, the expectation is producing the desired behaviors needed to be successful.

In a recent talent management study it was discovered that 83% of HR believed Employee Experience is either important or very important to their organization’s success. When questioned on how that experience could be enhanced, the response was investing more in training (56%), improving the workspace (51%) and giving more rewards (47%).

Employee engagement is less about expense and more about the effort. Companies often fail because they don’t make enough effort. They may try, but they just don’t try hard enough or with enough commitment. Make your #1 trend in 2017 to create a best-in-class employee experience that is a definite safeguard for your company in the market we are experiencing now. Employee retention, attracting great people and encouraging collaboration and innovation are all impacted by Employee Experience. Making a solid effort helps organizations be better prepared when a shift happens in the landscape ahead.

A focus on Health and Office wellness is fast becoming a critical focus in 2017. Once considered to be an employee benefit, health and wellness are now regarded as a core cultural requirement. The company that believes in this program benefit from lowered absenteeism. When the employer makes a deliberate effort to encourage maintaining a work-life balance, employee engagement is strongly felt.

Embracing cloud technologies and mobile apps will become even stronger in 2017. These tools ensure a more flexible ‘behind the scenes’ work environment. Today’s wearable gadgets, like watches and FitBits are merging health and wellness with employee engagement issues. Expect this trend to become more prominent.

Digital is the new normal. Technology advances are transforming the employee experience. Supporting employee-empowered learning will be much more evident in 2017. Offering on the job MOOC (massive open online courses) enables employees to learn new technologies quickly, simply and in a supportive environment. All to the benefit of their employer.

What better way to get ahead and engage employees than building in self-governed learning? The future is here. Adopt a trend to develop the must-have skills the business needs for 2017 and forward. Is Big Data, Mobile Apps, IOT, etc. in your company’s future?